Stamping and embossing on metal

Today is my second post for the Country View Challenge inspiration  piece on the theme of Metal, chosen by the lovely Miriam.

This time I went for a more delicate technique of embossed metal, with a stylus!

First I die-cut a square of aluminium (another re-cycled container for a ready meal) and embossed a border with a Cuttlebug folder on all 4 sides. In addition, I embossed a paperclip in one corner.

Working from the reverse, I stamped my image, a freebie from Craft Stamper, with Archival ink.

I prefer to use the reverse in case I scratch the metal with my stylus as I should be using nylon but use metal depending on the size of the embossing ball I need.

Of course it does mean the image is reversed!

Next, using the stamped image as a guide, I use the stylus to create the first embossed lines on the reverse. This will show the outline of the design on the front.

Now I work  alternatively from the front and the reverse, progressively deepening the embossing. I use a mouse mat for embossing and a stamp block for refining.

Finally I apply black paint, let it dry a bit and softly buff the raised areas for contrast.

Make enough squares and you could get this... as I did some years ago (check out the post here).

Finally I added a piece of vanilla coloured metal that I embossed with a Ten Second Studio Kabuka mold (no8) and a piece of black metal die-cut with a Mixed Media Thinlit (Sizzix) before mounting the lot on Kraft card.

I hope I have inspired you to have a go at this technique or at least to use something metallic for your entry in the Country View Challenge. A £20 voucher is up for grab for one lucky crafter...

Thanks for coming by,